Drove US 287 til it melds with I-70 til it meets I-25. North on the 25 to Ft Collins - which is back on US-287. Drive up Sentinal Valley...Both Sentinals still stand tall and alert a I pass below. Up and over "Windy" Pass. Stop at the Fireworks Store for some 2011 skyrockets & Hugs; then on to Laramie for gas...onto The 80 (I-80) and off again at Rawlins, Wyoming, where I force down another unwanted meal and to the motel to blog a bit. Now nearly 10 pm & I am a bit bushed....BUT, I have NOT WALKED, took my Meds and ate two full meals.

So Happens US 287 (cannot get rid of that Highway...is always where I am...going to where I wanna go) runs North out of Rawlins to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Both are kinda on the way to "home", so decided to rest up a bit doing some pics up thataway for a day or two.

Then, believe a swing thru the Tetons would be relaxing...and more photo Opps. From there, believe my next rest stop will be Snake River Hells Canyon. Intended to do that route when first planning my walk, but opted for the easier US 30 Southern Route. Now, WE get to enjoy both

OUT OF ADVERSITY COMES>>>ETC.

A quick ride through Hells Canyon on a Jet Boat or Rubber Raft (NOTE: NO WALKING) should offer some unique pics which I would LOVE to share...I know Suzanne's Kids back in B'ham will get a boot out of them & might maybe perhaps give 'em a bit of stimulus even Mr. President would have to stretch a bit to match.

Oh, before I forget...On my way up the 25, (I-25), I stopped in at "THE WORLD"S LARGEST INDOOR RV SHOWROOM", "RV AMERICA" Introduced myself. Handed 'em my SAM & ME Card, and explained what I am doing and why I simply MUST find a Real Good Motor Home at little or NO $$.

They pulled up OUR Blog...did some OOOhs and AHHHs, and went into a huddle. They came up with an offer I simply could NOT refuse - and DID NOT refuse. Kevin Hawkins and his Staff are now proud participants in SAM & ME walking America...Their "near" gift is shown here...

Well ??? !!! WaddaYaThink ?

We now have the Wheels...All we need do is entice the driver and for Brucie Baby to get and STAY healed. It is waiting in Johnstown, Denver suburb (no offence folks) along with SAM in her trailer. At the proper moment, I will fly to Denver, put the "train" together and with (hopefully) our new member - our Driver, get back on the road.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Today, Sunday, this ole bod is rebelling...so, have extended my stay a third night.

Have been sometimes accused of crying "WOLF" for a wee oweee here and a wee owee there. So, except to reiterate Subject,

Scalp Itches a-new accompanied by rather large welts.

Lungs are a-float in Sinus drainage.

Entire bod is achy.

So, I have not left bed for 24 hours, except to grab a bite from across the street.

Tomorrow Wal-Mart pharmacy opens. My Bellingham Pharmacist (I phoned them) gave me guidance. May drive the 27 miles back to Eads ER if not better by tomorrow evening.

Disgusting...I don't usually get ill & if I do, am over it in hours...this has been going for a week now.

LAMAR has tremendous winds, Heat and Sand. The one time I went out to eat, standing on the curb waiting traffic to clear. Wind kicked up a large cloud of sand-blast quality sand which completely hid an 18-wheeler only a block away and sent stinging sand grains into me through my clothes.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Lakes South of Eads are quite beautiful...and the last thing I expected to find in the Great Plains...but there they are...3 rather large Reservoir-type lakes. The Camp ground was State access for fishermen. Plenty of space - all unimproved, but nice hard packed sand (for when water is higher) - a concrete launching ramp for fishermen and secluded places suitable for parking. THere is also a composting-type outhouse.

I parked & spent a rather comfy night, waking to brilliant oranges and purples and reds as Ole SOL rose over the lake in front of the Van. Was too late with the camera to get the color, but did gat a couple pics of the area.

Started walking BACK tp Eads, some 11 miles away. Walked out 6 miles, turned around and "dragged" myself back to the Van. I had every intention to continue walking to Wills, some 10 miles South, but could NOT.

I have developed a constant deep chest cough, have achy joints, and am very fatigued. This has been coming on since a week ago...I even reported it to the ER Surgeon when he checked my itching scalp. Surgeon said all is normal...but I know it is not. (Nerves, perhaps>>)

So, I drove myself South on US 287 to the town of LAMAR, Colorado, an additional 6 miles beyond Wills. I have taken a room at the Super 8 Motel ($49.00) for two nights. I will sit tight in my room and try to heal whatever is going on. Maybe I will take time out to wash clothes, blankets and sleeping bag...all in need of a little TLC.

On Monday Morning, we will see how this old body is faring, and if OK, will go back to pick up the miles from the lake to Lamar...then continue on toward the Oklahoma Panhandle...now only 100 or so miles to the South.

Friday, August 27, 2010

After another night in the car - bed bugs in the Motel, walked US 287 for 10 miles back toward Kit Catson. Returned to the Motel 5 minutes before 11 am checkout.

Told Lady Manager about all the vermin in my room, no sink stopper, bathtub full of "critters" crawling in and out of the drain, and NO WATER at all out of the Tub faucets. She shruggs...Oh, by the way, you are probably famous around the World because as part of my walk, I report what I do, what I see, people I meet, and conditions people live and work in...of course, I included your slamming your door in my face last evening when I requested a new light bulb...

SHE GLARES AT ME..

I walk to my Van, phone Raleigh at the office...She comes screaming out of her office ... GET OUT>>>GET OFF THIS PROPERTY.

I still had two minutes til checkout at 11am, so I stuck my tongue at her, but did move the Van to the Restaurant next door..

Was a full 5 minutes before the Sheriff, his Christmas Tree blazing, pulls up next to me. A crowd instantly gathers.

Hi, Son...seems like we have a problem...

No, Sir, not me...but the Motel Manager could have a bit of one.

Your not the first, but you musta touched a nerve...says you were hounding her...

SO, I RELATED BLOW BY BLOW

After 5 minutes...Well, Son (he must be 30 rears younger than me), I heard all about the fugitive thing...and thanks for giving that young man ride in Yesterday...

sorry you are having such bad luck in our State...then again, might be a good thing our law enforcement is looking after citizen welfare...Yes, but 8 of em, with loaded weapons pointing at me...a bit overdone.

welllll, I wasn't there to see it,,,but you have a good walk...oh, and please pull up a few more feet...your trailer is technically still on Motel property.

He saunters off, turns off the blinking lights & goes into the Restaurant. I pull forward a few feet and go in myself for a bowl of Chili.

Mr UNDERSHERIFF is sitting alone holding a baby... must have been all of 1 month old...

Just another Dotting Grandfather---or perhaps Uncle .

This afternoon, drove half way back to Kit Carson & completed the walk to Eads,

Am driving South on US 287 this evening to some Lakes about 10 miles away...The map shows some kind of camp ground...might be nice.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

This evening I met the very first disagreeable person since starting my walk. I know, I know...count myself fortunate. I won't even give further credibility by going into details.

I am now checked into a motel in the town of EADS, Colorado. Eads looks to be more prosperous than other recent towns...even has a hospital with ER.

Was going to walk this afternoon from Kit Carson to EADS, but the Sun was offensively HOT and seems humidity is entering the picture. Chalk it up to Old Age, Stamina limitations, or laziness, I could not bring myself to do that walk.

Instead I drove the 20 miles on the brand new SUPER HIGHWAY ( I mean it) US 287...WOW.

Half way, I stopped for a hitch hiker, whom I drove - at his request - to the local Police Department...He said "thanks" got out and didn't look back. Said he was from Brooklyn, making the rounds out West selling magazines & became stranded with $10.00 and no way home...

Yeah, Sure

In the morning, I will take to the SUPER HIGHWAY before Ole SOL comes up. Will try to do the entire 20 miles before noon. Seems likely I might be cutting back on actual mileage and turn my afternoons / evenings into local interest events I can find. After all, I have no time restraints, have already demonstrated that us Old Folks can walk the walk...not just talk the talk.

Itchy Scalp update...Driving me crazy again tonight, I checked myself into the ER. Got the Surgeon out of bed...he was nice about it...Mike, the Surgeon, said he sees NO bites, rash, or any other reason I should itch so bad.

He gave me Benedryl & said to get more in the morning...is now midnight or so...Mike also said to get Selsyn Blue Shampoo...as it is the only one with ingredients to soothe the scalp.

The Nurse mentioned that the motel I checked into is infested with Bed Bugs. So far, I have no bites, but will move out NOW & sleep in the Van.

Boy, Colorado is NOT being kind to me so far...Will have to see what I can do to change that.

Kit Carson is a town of 200 or so. Once a major Railroad center, it is now a Whistle Stop for the occasional train. US 287 goes through Kit Carson, causing the hundreds of trucks to slow down on their way to and from Denver.

More than half of the commercial buildings sit empty, vacant and falling into disrepair. Mary's Grocery will accept CASH ONLY. At the West end of town, a VERY nice Restaurant, The Kit Carson Trading Post serves locals and sometimes truckers, travellers, and at least one walker.The food is quite good.

A motel sits at the East end of town, but was always closed when I tried to get a Room. Did take Pics of the Motel Room names...says a lot.

There is a modern School and two pristine Churches.

In the center of town (on US 287), is a really nice Museum. The old Train Depot is the centerpiece, equipped with original furniture and equipment...A Caboose is an outside attraction. Most folks will not know what a caboose is...when I was a Kid, NO freight train ran without a caboose

The Kit Carson Depot Museum is overseen by volunteers...today, Maryellen served as Curator. Maryellen grew up at the East end of town and now lives on a small ranch just outside town on Highway 59...I walked past her home this morning.

I walked Highway 59 this morning back toward Seibert & return to Kit Carson. Tomorrow, I walk to EADS, some 20 miles South on US 287.

Slept last night in the local RV Park. Owner wanted $21.00. There was no running water, no electricity, the bathroom doors were locked, but don't know why as they were falling off the hinges. Could have parked on the street for the night, but agreed to give him $15.00. I do not have much $$, but he looked like he really needed that $15.00.

During the night, my scalp started to itch...it got so bad, I got up and using my reserve gallon of drinking water, shampooed my hair. Still itched horribly & naturally, I have scratched my scalp raw. Bedbugs were suggested, which CNN says are on a rampage across America this Summer. Might be, but I think it might be nerves from having so many cocked & ready Guns set to take me down during the past 48 hours. And I was not even offered a blindfold .

I also want to comment on the "flies" in the Great Plains. There are millions of them. They wait at windows & doors and swarm in at the first tiny crack. The Van is full. The Restaurant is full. The motel room is full. And they bite. Have not seen a single sticky fly tape and fly swatters are hoarded. Takes intestinal fortitude to live here. And yet, lots of folks do live here.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

I heard they caught the fugitive this afternoon...sure hope so...my nerves are a bit frazzled having so many loaded & cocked weapons pointed at me.

And, it happened again this morning...someone (mail carrier lady) called in 911 thyat I was walking along highway 59 heading for Kit Carson...the Fire Chief descended on me (no gun this time), and after 10 minutes, let me go.

I had enough. I attended a SENIOR BRUNCH in Seibert and then headed away from the manhunt. Told them I was very disturbed having 8 weapons pointed at me...it was over-kill (ha ha ha), and even if this is the wild West, was not called for.

My real concern was for that overzealous citizen deciding to take matters into his own hands and apprehend ME as the fugative. This has not been fun and games, and I find the Police methodology with me to be totally inappropriate and wrong.

I AM VERY UPSET AND ANGRY.

I am sitting in the Van, a recluse of my own making for the moment.

Will resume walking in the morning.

Note of interest...when I crossed into Colorado, Political signs popped up everywhere for the elections...fully 8 0f 10 signs were candidates for Sheriff...must be a desirable vocation...no offense, folks...just an observation...in spite of a few comments from locals on the subject.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

TWO BLOCKING CRUISERS ALREADY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY...CHRISTMAS ON COLORADO HIGHWAY 59

before I begin today's exciting report, I wish to say a word to my Followers.

I am truly overwhelmed to have all of you following me along the back roads of America. Do not know what I expected, but knowing I am not alone out here keeps me snug at night and sometimes teary-eyed. I don't know HOW to communicate with you (HELP SOMEONE), but I would if I knew how.

Slept comfortably in the Van lastnight in the city park of COPE, Colorado. I was not supposed to be in Cope, but helpi ng Dustin & Roger with their broken pickup truck, took me to Cope, where I decided to stay the night and walk Colorado Highway 59 today to Seibert and then on to Kit Carson.

My day started out as Ole' SOL rose majestically over the Eastern Great Plains. Walked 10 miles South on the "59", turned back to Cope and all hell broke lose.

A big SUV heading towards me pulled within 5 feet of me and stopped. A big guy in uniform got out - then I noticed the RED / BLUE lights inside the Grillwork. He stepped clear of the door with PISTOL drawn...as a second Police Cruiser with top lights flashing pulled next to the SUV, stopping crosswise in the Highway; another uniformed guy got out, PISTOL drawn. Both approached me without a word. I FROZE.

Then a third cruiser with flashing lights pulled up behind # 2; a third officer got out with a shotgun held leveled at the ground as he too walked to me. All three came from different directions.

As, two more cruisers with flashing lights pulled up, fully blocking the entire Highway. They also came around the SUV with GUNS drawn.

In all, five Police now stood half surrounding me...I stood perfectly still, looking from one to the next. First Officer, a Sheriff, asked...

You see anyone else walking this morning...

NO

You saw no one?

NO

Well, you are not who we are looking for

ALL THE WEAPONS DISAPPEARED.

Who are you looking for?

An escaped Prisoner. Someone reported they saw you and you fit the description...sorry for the Guns and all. You are too tall and too old. What are you doing out here?

Walking to Key West

Where?

From Vancouver, Canada to Key West

And you are how old?

75

Geeeeze. Well, you are free to go.

I write a blog every day about my walk (handed him my card)...mind if I include you folks in today's Blog...and some pictures, if possible

TWO OFFICERS EXCUSED THEMSELVES...not allowed to have my photo taken... THE OTHER THREE SAID...

Sure, but gotta put my hat on first...never do to have my photos taken without my hat.

And so, I took the pics.

You want a ride back to Cope (it was only 2 miles), The State Patrol Officer asked me.

You would do that for me...Sure, I'll ride back with you...and I did. He dropped me off at the Van, followed closely by the second State Trooper.

We talked about the condition of the Colorado Secondary Highways...The worse I have seen since beginning my walk...your right, he replied...and I have to drive this cruiser over 120 miles per hour on these roads...its all a budget problem...I talked to a trucker a couple days ago, who said West of the I-25 Corridor, the roads are super...he's right...the mountain roads are in great shape, but ours out here are in terrible condition. (No names here !!)

The two Troopers left me in the Van in the Park. Not 10 minutes, three more Police - dressed in combat clothing, including bullet proof vests and assault weapons drawn, came at me from three directions across the Cope CityPark...walked up to the Van...looked me over saying...your the walker, right?

Yes

We got the call about you, but guess we are too late...heard all about you on the radio...

Your OK.

And so the 4 of us chatted a half hour or so before they get back into their Van and drove off.

For certain, all Colorado knows SAM & ME are in the neighborhood.

Have more to say, but is dark...I'm sitting on a park bench getting eaten by mosquitos in the dark.

Will try to load some pics...

later,,,fun day... more to come

Next Morning...I have written much more, but Verizon AGAIN chose to DELETE it ALL.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Walked 8 miles early this AM. Drove out US 36, parked in a private Ranch (thankyou, Dave). Walked another 16 miles from there.

Drove to a rest stop at Colorado Hwy 71. There met Dustin & Roger, who lost their water pump.

Gave Dustin a ride to COPE 45 miles further East on US 36, to get help from a friend. It is so far out of my original plan to walk SOUTH on Colorado 71, decided to overnight in the Van in Cope - where I am now writing on Minnie batteries. Will walk SOUTH in am on Colorado Hwy 59, heading for KIT CARSON, Colorado, where I can pick up US 287. Is 70 miles from Cope to Kit Carson.

Next couple days may be out of communication range until reaching LIMON & US 287.

This am, watched ole' SOL rise in the EASTERN Great Plains for the first time. Walked the 6 miles (and back ) from BYERS to SALSBURG. Took a motel last night in Byers. Later this morning, will start trek to LAST CHANCE (35 miles from Byers) and then on Colorado 71 South to LIMON (also 35 miles from Last Chance).

Last Chance is a wide spot in the road - no facilities of any kind - with a rest stop with NO running water.

Could have gone to Limon via KIOWA instead, except that road is nearly all gravel...also has no facilities. Shorter distance, but difficult to walk on.

Spent a few minutes with RAND, driver of an 18-wheeler. Rand commented on Colorado roadways:

California $$ moved into Colorado, building up the I-25 (Interstate 25) Corridor to service the playgrounds in the Mountains. Meanwhile, Colorado secondary Roads have NO $$ available for construction / maintenance. Most rural Colorado roads are not even paved.

Rand - and other truckers - are limited to 80,000 Pounds on the Interstates, whereas Colorado secondary roads allow 85,000 Pounds...so, they take the secondary routes, which are taking a beating. Asked if the truck was his...NO, could never afford the payments...get along on $500.00 a month...don't live too well, but am making it...

See very few "young" folks out here so far. Most folks are older and appear to stick close together. Stopped in for breakfast at the "Country Burger" upon returning from Strasburg.Ordered coffee and a single Pancake. Pancake was served on a Pizza Tray and even then, flopped over the edges...see pic. With potatoes & crisp Bacon. cost was $5.11. Ate 1/4 of the Flapjack & took the rest in zip lock bags for b'fast all next week.

Will drive back to BENNETT - 12 miles - to get ice for the 2 - 3 day trek to LIMON. Then will start out on Colorado 36, which RAND tells me is just like Colorado 71...no berm, edges chopped up, and no place to pull off the road. Rand is NOT a happy camper & is concerned that All roadway funds are going to the "Rich" playgrounds instead of the rural areas which serve the Great Plains Food Basket. "Prefer Nebraska or Kansas 2 to 1 over Colorado secondary roads, Rand comments."

What a contrast from the Denver metropolitan area only 40 miles away...truly two worlds a Universe apart.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Arriving in Bellingham last week, the temperature shot up from mid 70s to mid 90s , As soon as I left for Denver, it dropped back. Upon arriving in Denver, mid 90s again and today is even hotter.

Yesterday, walked 24 miles out of Prospect Village, completing the miles from US 287 to Colorado 79 via Colorado 52 . Clod Buster Cafe was closed on Saturday. Slept in the Van last night, which was very uncomfortable after a week back in my own bed.

Planned on taking SAM back onto the road. But, simply cannot. It is still way too hot for SAM, AND, the Colorado Highways - so far - are totally unsafe for ANY walking...especially for a cart like SAM.

Colorado Highways 52, 79, and now 36, are, in the first instance very narrow. In the second instance, the edges are not maintained. There is a 2-inch drop from the macadam to the dirt. The perfect condition to break or sprain an ankle. In the third instance, there is NO gravel, sand, or grass berm. From the edge of the asphalt, the side of the roadway angles immediately down very steep...normally for 4 - 5 feet. 18-wheelers often run on the white line, which breaks up the edge of the pavement.

To say the least, Colorado Highways I have walked so far are an accident waiting to happen. Then, too, the normal speed limit is 65 mph. It is true that they are straight and have few hills or dips. Also, traffic is minimal, except for 18-wheelers which predominate. 3/4 ton pickups - often towing large trailers or oversize farm equipment running a close second.

I have seen 2 bicycles and one walker - ME -.

For the bicycles so far, all traffic has STOPPED Because there simply is NO ROOM to pass,

For ME, the walker, I move onto the sloping grass and STAND STILL as traffic goes by.

The entire walking conditions are, to say the least. dangerous.

Looking at the map, I must walk on these poorly engineered and maintained roadways most of the way to Oklahoma . The map shows alternate routes, but the map also shows these routes to be unpaved dirt, sand or gravel .

Then, my old complaint is emphasized on these rural; highways. Nearly every one is following way too close. They leave no room for evasive action and cannot possibly see the roadway in front of the vehicle(s) they are following.

I hope the roads will improve as I continue my walk. If the worst should happen, the State of Colorado is, I'm afraid, open to severe criticism if not liability. There is no excuse, in my opinion, for such poorly engineered and maintained roadways...rural or no.

As might be expected, the entire area is so far, dedicated to agriculture. The area I walk now is mostly Corn and Sunflowers. I have also walked by some Wheat, Alfalfa, and Potato.

In addition to slipping often off the jagged edges of the macadam, I am really out of shape. The week off took a lot out of me...sitting on my tush for hours on end. I also returned with a heavy mental burden from the home-front.

I begin each walk with a bit of dizziness and nausea...which goes away in a few moments , I also have a nagging soreness in my left hip...probably because of the roadway limitations.

In any event, I am here for one reason only...TO WALK. And WALK is what I am doing,

I started Colorado Highway 36 today, which will take me to LAST CHANCE (nice name, huh?), where I turn South on Colorado 71 until it intersects with our old friend US 287.